An interesting series on Canon cameras' autofocus accuracy

I'll link to the last two parts with the results:

http://www.lensrentals​.com …lity-part-3a-canon-lenses

http://www.lensrentals​.com …ity-part-3b-canon-cameras

The summary as I understand it is that newer lenses (2011/2012) focus better on the newer cameras (5d3/1dx). Your thoughts?

Technology marches forward...

Not that surprising.

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?t=1213446&hi​ghlight=af amongst others...

The article summary makes it clear (quoted verbatim, but reformatted for readability)

• The two newest Canon cameras have more accurate phase-detection sensors than their previous cameras.
  
• The newest lenses have more accurate focus movement (or provide more accurate focus movement feedback, or both) that takes advantage of those sensors.
  
• Older cameras don’t have accurate enough AF sensors to take advantage of the new lenses’ capabilities.
  
• Older lenses can’t move their focusing elements with enough accuracy to take advantage of the new cameras’ accurate sensors.
  

Wilt wrote in post #14809331
The article summary makes it clear (quoted verbatim, but reformatted for readability)

• The two newest Canon cameras have more accurate phase-detection sensors than their previous cameras.
  
• The newest lenses have more accurate focus movement (or provide more accurate focus movement feedback, or both) that takes advantage of those sensors.
  
• Older cameras don’t have accurate enough AF sensors to take advantage of the new lenses’ capabilities.
  
• Older lenses can’t move their focusing elements with enough accuracy to take advantage of the new cameras’ accurate sensors.
  

...it makes sense, considering that the article's test results reflect those facts.

If there is a more powerful argument to persuade us photogs that we need to replace all our kit for the latest and greatest, then I've not seen it. Why aren't Canon shouting these 'facts' from the rooftops?

paulkaye wrote in post #14809949
If there is a more powerful argument to persuade us photogs that we need to replace all our kit for the latest and greatest, then I've not seen it. Why aren't Canon shouting these 'facts' from the rooftops?

For reals. It would seem like that is how Canon would justify to its customers why they need to fork out money for the huge price increase in the new lenses coming out (24-70 II for example). At least for those who own a 5D3 or 1Dx.

paulkaye wrote in post #14809949
If there is a more powerful argument to persuade us photogs that we need to replace all our kit for the latest and greatest, then I've not seen it. Why aren't Canon shouting these 'facts' from the rooftops?

I think that any claims about improved AF accuracy would sound just like that: "Claims". RESULTS are what matter and results are earned on the street. Word gets around - especially amongst the pros - and articles like Roger's help to educate the unwashed masses that can only dream of "SOMEDAY"!

paulkaye wrote in post #14809949
If there is a more powerful argument to persuade us photogs that we need to replace all our kit for the latest and greatest, then I've not seen it. Why aren't Canon shouting these 'facts' from the rooftops?

Much of the 'better' features in products are relatively meaningless improvements that are used to help lure those who lust for 'better', where the IQ is not necessarily visibly truly better. 'New features' lure in some more. But one has to be honest about just how much visibly better is 'X' vs. 'Y'...sometimes the improvement is truly a step backward. The pixel count obsession is an example of that, where S/N of the image was really better with lower pixel count before they made the resolution 'better'. Sometimes 'better' really is 'yawn'.

Is focus more precise? Does it really matter, when DOF masks most inherent error in focus, and when our viewfinder screens are made to be brighter but less precise in revealing any imperfection of focus?!

Wilt wrote in post #14811368
Is focus more precise? Does it really matter, when DOF masks most inherent error in focus, and when our viewfinder screens are made to be brighter but less precise in revealing any imperfection of focus?!

Well, I've got a 5dii so you might expect me to say this (), but I for one would like more accurate and reliable AF, especially for use with fast lenses wide open. Enthusiasts and pros really care about IQ and OOF shots just don't cut it.

I've been ambivalent about a 5diii, but this Lensrentals article is pushing me towards upgrading - the killer though is that it seems I need to replace all my lenses too to get the best out of it.

It actually could give you less incentive to upgrade. Since you'd have to upgrade everything.

If Canon shouted that the new lenses are so much better, it would make it seem the old ones are "defective" and inferior to the competition. Reputation could be harmed, inadvertently. Market results over technology to build sales. It is the "benefit" of an item that sells it, not the "how".